Barry Hearn joins Jake and Damian for a no-nonsense masterclass in ambition, resilience, and the mindset that turned a kid from a council estate into one of the most influential figures in global sport. The legendary Matchroom founder opens up about the work ethic shaped by his formidable mother, the chip on his shoulder that fuelled his rise, and the Christmas Eve moment in 1988 when he stood on the brink of bankruptcy, before one audacious deal changed everything.

Across the conversation, Barry lays out his 10 Rules for Life: why “everything is a competition,” how sheer graft can make you look like a genius, why honesty is a superpower, and what it means to be “unbeatable” even when life dents you. He reflects on building empires in snooker, darts, and boxing, the importance of thinking poorly to stay sharp, and the role fire, fun, and relentless optimism have played in his seven decades of success.

This is Barry Hearn in full force, funny, fierce, and fiercely honest, offering the timeless laws of success from a man who refuses to be beaten.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp

What if one word could unlock potential, or shut it down completely?

When Rene Meulensteen coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, he didn't start with tactics. He started with language. The words he chose made the difference between a player who could score goals and one obsessed with scoring them.

In this episode, Damian explores the essential habit that separates good coaching from greatness: mind your language. Discover why Rene never said "change", only "add." Learn how Sir Alex Ferguson's flip chart philosophy shaped United's dominance. And find out how a Roger Federer moment transformed their Champions League campaign.

Featuring insights from psychology (the famous Loftus & Palmer study on how words reshape memory), plus behind-the-scenes stories from United's golden era, this episode reveals how elite performers use language to frame reality, lower threat, and spark possibility.

Together we explore:

• Why "change" triggers defensiveness, and what word opens people up instead
• How Ronaldo transformed into a goal-scoring machine
• Ferguson's "if that doesn't work, we gamble" mentality
• The myth of the hairdryer treatment, and what really happened at halftime

René reminds us that high performance isn’t just built on drills and repetitions, it’s built on the words that shape how people feel, learn, and grow.

If you’ve ever wanted to give better feedback, build trust faster, or help someone reach a level they didn’t know they had in them, this conversation with René is worth your time.

Listen to the full episode with René Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome back Sir Gareth Southgate to High Performance for his most open and reflective conversation yet. 

In this episode, Gareth breaks his silence on England’s “almost” era, revealing the fear of failure, pressure of history, and fine margins that have shaped his time as manager. He discusses the burden of expectation, the culture of small daily habits and respect he’s built, and the empathy and vulnerability that define his modern approach to leadership.

From handling Wayne Rooney’s retirement to protecting players from public scrutiny, Southgate opens up about the realities of leading under relentless pressure, the evolution of England’s team culture, and what legacy truly means beyond trophies.

This is a rare, honest conversation with one of football’s most thoughtful leaders, about resilience, accountability, and what it really takes to lead a nation.

🚨 Partners 

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now:

https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU

Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/visitseattle-ut-au

Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀

https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817

HP Foundation 👉 Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉 Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back.

In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, and Paul McKenna. They explore how to filter feedback, value the right opinions, and view criticism as a privilege rather than a burden.

From finding joy without seeking validation to praising effort instead of identity, this conversation shows that confidence grows when you listen to the right voices, and stop giving attention to the wrong ones. A practical guide to living with more authenticity, courage, and clarity.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4

Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849

Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0

Mark Manson: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7  

Paul McKenna: https://pod.fo/e/2112fb

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp

Tom Aspinall is one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC. But behind the power and precision is something far more human: fear. Tom is one of the rare fighters willing to sit down and talk about feeling genuinely scared. He candidly admits that the higher you climb, the more is at stake, and the more the fear grows.

He reveals the crucial mental habit he developed: moving past the inner battle, the ‘second fight’ against himself, to harness fear as a force for high performance.

In this powerful episode, Tom shares the habits that turn high-pressure panic into laser-sharp focus:

• Reframe Fear as Fuel: Learn how to direct the adrenaline rush of fear toward opportunity, just like Tom, who tells himself, "This is the moment when I'm at my sharpest".
• The Golden Rule of Action: Discover the importance of simply showing up and why consistency always beats intensity when building success.
• The Power of Belief: Tom discusses the pivotal role his father played as his coach and cheerleader, relentlessly believing in him even when he struggled to believe in himself.
• The Ultimate Commitment: Hear Tom's chilling, yet honest, perspective on the ‘spiritual aspect’ of his sport and the level of commitment required to reach the very top.

If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment, or wished you knew how to stay steady when it matters most, this conversation with Tom is worth your time.

Listen to the full episode with Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic teams.

He opens up to Jake and Damian about stepping into chaos, restoring belief through culture and communication, and the power of difficult conversations in transforming leadership. Zak also reflects on his unconventional journey from a rebellious kid in California to leading a global motorsport powerhouse, and why loyalty, trust, and humility remain at the heart of his success.

This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead under pressure, proof that true high performance starts with people, not power.

🚨 Partners 

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au

Gemini 👉 transform your small business accounting with faster payments. Get started for free today at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-sage-au  Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation 

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​​England and Harlequins rugby legend Joe Marler opens up like never before, about the moment in 2018 when he hit breaking point, walked out on his family, and believed the world would be better off without him. What follows is an unfiltered journey through mental health, accountability, and rediscovering purpose.

Joe reflects on the catalyst for his breakdown, the decision that saved his life, and the teammate’s message that made it all worth sharing. He also reveals what it was like to play under Eddie Jones, the pressure of “Test Match Tuesdays,” and the emotional drive that makes great teams go beyond just winning.

Raw, honest, and deeply human, this is Joe Marler finding strength through vulnerability and proving that the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q

There’s a difference between being tough and being strong, and Billy Billingham knows it better than most.

As a former SAS soldier, Billy has faced war zones, exhaustion, and moments most of us can barely imagine. But when you strip it all back, his greatest lesson isn’t about combat,  it’s about control and why the ultimate habit you need is discipline and the drive to go a little bit further.

In this episode, we explore how discipline, humility, and calm under chaos have shaped every chapter of Billy’s life. From a teenage turning point after being stabbed to leading the world's most elite military forces and protecting some of Hollywood’s most high-profile stars, he’s learned that strength isn’t about aggression, it’s about staying grounded when everything around you isn’t.

Together, we unpack:

• Why discipline matters more than motivation
• How to stay calm when pressure peaks
• What “controlled aggression” really means
• The difference between fear and focus
• Why true leadership starts with humility

Billy’s new book ‘Further - 10 lessons the SAS taught me about life’ is out now.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England and Premier League star Joe Cole opens up about the lessons learned beyond the pitch, honesty, resilience, and what it truly means to live a high performance life.

He reflects on the power of self-accountability, the importance of prioritising family over fame, and the danger of tying your identity solely to your career. Joe speaks candidly about setbacks, pressure, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection, reminding us that success is about balance, not constant achievement.

Grounded in kindness and perspective, Joe’s message is clear: when life feels heavy, look outward, helping others might just be the most powerful way to help yourself.

🚨 Partners 

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1

Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jake and Damian turn the spotlight on you, answering the questions that listeners have been sending in from around the world. From overcoming self-sabotage to dealing with doubt, they explore what it really takes to build confidence, stay consistent, and live with purpose.

Drawing on lessons from past guests like James Clear, Susie Ma, and Shane Parrish, they unpack powerful ideas around mindset, happiness, and self-awareness, including why we must be brave enough to tolerate happiness and how to navigate a world that doesn’t always share your drive for improvement.

Listen in as they reflect on their most memorable guests, share the stories that shaped their thinking, and offer practical advice for anyone striving to grow, one honest question at a time.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

James Clear: https://pod.fo/e/16868c

Susie Ma: https://pod.fo/e/bf09e

Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000

Gary Stevenson: https://pod.fo/e/2af4d8

Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614

Laura Kenny: https://pod.fo/e/249586

Dame Stephanie Shirley: https://pod.fo/e/16a443

Tyson Fury: https://pod.fo/e/14ef0f

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.